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Why Writing Matters

Why Writing Matters in Health Science

"Not only is the well-being of human lives dependent on clear and accurate information delivered to the patient or their caregiver, but it is also crucial to colleagues and staff members."

~Prof. Rene Hernandez, Health Sciences

Why Writing Matters in Health Science

Nearly all health science degrees offered by universities and colleges in the United States require students to write, both technically and competently. While good communication skills are essential in every profession, the health professional’s writing skills may have the greatest complexity and variety of audiences. Not only is the well-being of human lives dependent on clear and accurate information delivered to the patient or their caregiver, but it is also crucial to colleagues and staff members. Written communication principles learned in the SVSU health science program will ensure that the health professional student is able to create messages that are understood. The student will gain experience in writing for colleague comprehension as well as in the appropriate level of writing for patient comprehension.

Typical Writing Assignments

Viewpoint papers, both disciplinary-specific and multi-disciplinary, with an emphasis on health science-related issues and topics.

Documentation of patient history and physical exam with appropriate assessment and management plan.

Citation Conventions

Within the text of your paper it should be easy for the reader to identify the source of any language or ideas you have used that are not your own; use parenthetical citation (see text, handouts, or web sites). Plagiarism or academic dishonesty could lead to failure of the assignment and/or course.

Special Comments

Communicating with the written word is a skill and takes practice. Keep working on it and utilize the available resources.

Follow the 4 C’s of writing: be clear, concise, coherent, and correct.